Some background info: Michael Dick is a professional photographer who dedicated seven years to fire photography in preparation for the book
"New York's Bravest - Their Lives on the Line" which was published in 1987. During this time he concentrated his efforts on Harlem and the South Bronx
and created approximately five thousand color slides. In this long out-of-print book all the photographs were taken by Michael Dick and the text
was writtenby Lt. Thomas Barry, L-42 (Ret.) . Many of these photos were reproduced in black & white, this is the first time they are being shown in color.

Some of the best of these were used in the book and many more will be showcased here. This was in the 1980s and the slide film used thenhas now been replaced by a memory card in a digital camera. This technological advantage would have made photography a lot easier
back thenbut it seems that things always seem to be changing. There have been numerous changes in the equipment used to fight fires, too.
These include new engines, rear mounts, tower ladders and rescues. There were also advancements made in personal equipment such as
bunker gear, Scott Air-Paks, handheld thermal imaging cameras and the partner saw. Some items remain basically the same, however,
and the pike pole, 2.5 gallon water fire extinguisher (for the can man),flathead axe and the Halligan bar (set of irons)
are much the same today as they were then.

In spite of all the changes that have taken place in the last 25 years the dedication level of the members
of the FDNY remains the same. It is in their honor, and memory, that these photographs are presented to you.